Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara believes that Shubman Gill and captain Rohit Sharma should be included in India’s starting lineup right immediately. However, he believes that KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal should start the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match against Australia.
Following their historic 295-run triumph over Perth in the first match of the series, India will play Australia in a pink-ball match in Adelaide the following week.
With India putting on a strong show despite losing key players, the win ended up being more memorable.
Due to personal reasons, Rohit was unable to participate in the first Test, and Gull’s selection is contingent upon his recovery from a thumb injury.
The potential lineup that India should use to maintain their high-flying momentum has been discussed as the second Test draws near.
Under trying circumstances, Rahul and Jaiswal’s record-breaking opening partnership of 201 runs in the second innings tore up the Australian bowling attack. When Rohit entered the game for the second Test, it was possible that the two might be split apart for the remainder of the series.
Given the potential inclusion of Gill and Rohit in the starting lineup, Pujara wondered what the Indian top order may look like.
He believes that Rahul and Jaiswal should stick with their opening partnership, whereas Pujara wants Rahul to bat at number three if Rohit keeps his opening position.
“I think, for some reason, if we can carry on with the same batting order like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman could come in at five. If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat top of the order because it suits his game well. I hope we don’t tinker around with that,” Pujara said in a chat with ESPNcricinfo.
According to Pujara’s advice, the top order for India would consist of Rahul at number three and Rohit-Jaiswal as the opener. In that case, Gill’s position would be in doubt if he becomes eligible, as Virat Kohli would still be in fourth place.
“Ideally, No. 5. Because it allows him to come in at a time, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball. But if he walks in after, say, 25 or 30 overs, he can play his shots. He can play his natural game. And in case we lose the first three wickets early, Gill walks in and saves Rishabh Pant for the old ball. [Pant] doesn’t have to face the new ball. I wouldn’t want him to walk in to bat when the ball is hard and new,” Pujara commented on Gill’s position.
All questions surrounding India’s playing XI will be cleared away when the visitors face Australia on December 6, looking to build on their 1-0 series lead.